I love it when you stumble upon a place with no expectations and they are fulfilled wildly for you. That happened to me recently with Yuum Yai Thai, a little Commercial Drive storefront that upon first glance could swing in either direction, to dingy and depressing or excellent and secret. With a colourful awning outside and a small, basic room spruced up with Thai accents, it is welcoming enough and comfortable. Also clean.
The menu has all of the dishes you would expect to see in a Thai restaurant; green, red, yellow and Panang curries, pad Thai, etc. but also a lot of non-standard specialties. I waffled a bit before choosing the Choo Chee with king prawns (you can also get it with a fish fillet) for $15.95. It’s a kind of curry (not overly spicy) made with kafir lime leaves and sweet basil and served over white rice it’s a little piece of heaven. The lack of heat really makes the spice mixture shine and there is a generous helping of prawns, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Delicious.
A foodie friend who’s been to Thailand told me later that this is one of the most authentic Thai places in town, and I can definitely see that. Go check it out if you’e in the neighourhood.
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Yuum Yai Thai
1859 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
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